Gambling Commission opens second tranche of white paper consultations

The Gambling Commission (GC) has launched its second tranche of white paper review consultations, which will include topics such as free bets and bonusing.

The regulator launched the second batch of consultations today, 29 November, with submissions for evidence open for 12 weeks.

The window for submissions will close on 21 February 2024.

The second tranche of consultations will explore five key topics borne out of the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review which was published in April.

Firstly, socially responsible incentives will be considered, including the use of free bets and bonuses to ensure they do not “encourage harmful or excessive gambling”.

Secondly, customer-led tools will be put under the microscope, tools which allow players to manage their gambling.

The consultation will also take in opinions on the proposal for operators to report to the gambling regulator quarterly instead of annually.                                                                  

The role of the GC in light of the government’s push to introduce a statutory levy will also be examined.

Finally, transparency for consumers should their funds be held by operators that offer no protection in the event of insolvency is also on the docket.

This second slew of consultations follows the GC’s first batch which closed for submission in October.

That first set included the much-maligned affordability checks, with the findings from that 12-week window due to be communicated in the new year.

Tim Miller, Gambling Commission executive director, said: “The white paper set out that a top government priority is ensuring that gambling happens safely. We share this commitment and today’s consultations propose how we can deliver on it.

“We need as many people as possible to have their say on any potential changes to the rules operators must follow.

“These views will ultimately help shape gambling regulation across the country,” he added.